Simon took over the business founded in 1937 by his father-in-law, Nate Roberts. The polish immigrant purchased the single store from a chain when the Minneapolis Shoe Company went bankrupt, according to Simon.

The story behind the Roberts' closing is not a new one. Like many independent retailers, Roberts Shoes has struggled in the face of competition from malls and the internet. Simon said sales took an immediate hit when the Mall of America opened and never recovered.

"Stores like us which are basically independents aren't going to exist anymore," Lerzcak said. "You see nothing but the same stores, over and over and over."

Though smaller in number, Roberts' remaining customers remained loyal. With its longtime motto "Hardly a Foot We Can't Fit," Roberts kept in stock many larger sizes and was willing to special order shoes at a time many chain stores discontinued the practice.

With its wide selection and period shoes, Roberts has even sold footwear to movie producers. Watch the video above to find out what famous flicks feature the iconic shoe store's products.

Don Lerner is Roberts' longest tenured salesman, having been hired by Nate Roberts in 1967. But Lerner said he isn't ready to retire, noting that Roberts, the store's founder, worked until he died at age 89.

"All good things must come to an end. And this has been a good thing," he said.

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